take active steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take active steps" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that tangible steps are being taken to make something happen. For example: "In order to reduce carbon emissions, the company is taking active steps to switch to renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Additionally, an important motivation for service managers, underpinned by the desire to improve services delivered to patients, was to effect a culture change, i.e. raising the base level of research awareness and skills to a level where staff felt ready and supported to take active steps towards research participation and activity at an appropriate time.

BMC Health Services Research

Yes, you can find out, but you have to take active steps to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

We continue to take active steps to increase employee engagement and are powerful advocates for diversity across industries.

The Guardian

Read more... Jobseekers, single parents and the disabled have to take active steps to seek work before being paid benefits.

The Guardian

We will come together to take active steps to strengthen America's economy and put our people back to work.

The New York Times

We will come together to take active steps that strengthen America's economy, and put our people back to work.

The Guardian

Should we intervene earlier when they take active steps to implement their plans by downloading a map?

The Guardian - Opinion

Largely free to do what they want, many take active steps to create and maintain racially-mixed schools.

The Economist

But it has also said it would not take active steps to carry the fatwa into effect.

The Economist

Maria Miller, the committee's Conservative chair, said female MPs could find themselves disadvantaged in this process if parties do not take active steps to protect female representation.

The Guardian

We must develop our own capacity to be able to engage in and take active steps towards an intellectually sound British Muslim community.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take active steps", clearly specify what those steps are to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The company took active steps to improve its environmental impact", specify "The company took active steps to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy and implementing stricter waste management policies."

Common error

Avoid using "take active steps" when there is no tangible plan or commitment to action. This can lead to accusations of insincerity or greenwashing. Ensure that actions are clearly defined and measurable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take active steps" functions as a verb phrase indicating an intention to perform specific actions. It describes the process of initiating actions to achieve a particular goal or address a situation. As per Ludwig AI, this construction is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take active steps" is a correct and commonly used verb phrase that conveys a proactive approach to addressing challenges or achieving goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is consistently understood across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, followed by scientific publications, indicating its relevance in reporting and research. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly specify what those steps are to avoid ambiguity and to ensure there is a genuine commitment to action. Alternatives such as "take proactive measures" or "implement practical solutions" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take proactive measures

Focuses on preventing problems before they occur, adding a sense of anticipation.

take concrete actions

Highlights the tangible and measurable nature of the steps taken.

implement practical solutions

Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect and the real-world application of the steps.

initiate decisive actions

Stresses the importance of making clear and impactful choices.

pursue vigorous efforts

Conveys a sense of energy and determination in the actions taken.

undertake purposeful initiatives

Highlights the intentional and goal-oriented nature of the actions.

engage in meaningful endeavors

Focuses on the value and significance of the actions taken.

move forward purposefully

Implies a direction and intention behind the actions, less focused on immediate steps.

adopt aggressive strategies

Indicates a forceful and competitive approach to achieving goals.

drive forward initiatives

Similar to pursue vigorous efforts, focuses on advancing existing projects.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "take active steps" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "take proactive measures", "implement practical solutions", or "initiate decisive actions" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "take active steps forward"?

While not strictly grammatically incorrect, adding "forward" to "take active steps" can be redundant as "steps" already implies movement in a direction. It's generally more concise and impactful to simply use "take active steps."

What is the difference between "take active steps" and "consider passive measures"?

"Take active steps" implies a direct and hands-on approach to addressing a situation. "Consider passive measures", on the other hand, suggests exploring options that require minimal intervention or direct action.

In what contexts is it best to use the phrase "take active steps"?

The phrase "take active steps" is best used in contexts where there is a need to emphasize proactive behavior and a clear intention to make progress toward a specific goal. This is commonly used when addressing problems or opportunities, in professional, academic and scientific texts.